Our objective was to determine if report-back of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can reduce EDC exposure, increase environmental health literacy (EHL), and increase readiness to change (i.e., to implement EDC exposure-reduction behaviors). Results showed that the report-back intervention was successful. The intervention increased EHL, increased readiness to change in women, and decreased exposure level to monobutyl phthalate (an EDC).
This pilot study explored the relationship between concentrations of EDCs in urine samples and products used 24 h prior to sample collection, and ingredients of concern in those products, in 140 adults of reproductive age in Northern Nevada. Results showed that higher levels of certain endocrine disruptors in urine samples and poor self-rated health were linked to the use of more products, especially personal care products and supplements.
This paper is about a study protocol that is currently being implemented by Million Marker. This study, which builds on our previous work, will demonstrate the efectiveness of the Million Marker endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure report-back on increased EDC environmental health literacy (EHL), readiness to reduce exposures (i.e. readiness to change, RtC), and exposure reduction itself, in EDC-tested individuals. Additionally, we hypothesize that providing further intervention beyond report-back (i.e. EDC-specifc EHL education and community support) will be a measurable improvement over report-back alone, in terms of EDC EHL and exposure reduction behavior, a reduction in individual exposures, and an improvement in clinical biomarkers.